Neles ValvGuard VG9000 is an intelligent safety solenoid with a SIL 3 safety integrity level. It supports automatic partial stroke testing (PST) and predictive maintenance diagnostics, provides a maximum exhaust capacity of 700 Nm3/h, and is certified for Ex d and Ex ia hazardous areas. It is suitable for control loops of emergency shutdown valves, vent valves, and emergency isolation valves in safety instrumented systems, enabling online testing and safety action control without affecting continuous process operation.

Neles
Neles ValvGuard VG9000 Intelligent Safety Solenoid
Intelligent safety solenoid for emergency shutdown valves, supporting automatic partial stroke testing.
- Category
- Valve Controllers
- Operating Temperature Range
- -40 to +85 °C
- Safety Integrity Level
- SIL 3 (compliant with IEC 61508)
Specifications
- Safety Integrity Level
- SIL 3 (compliant with IEC 61508)
- Partial Stroke Testing
- Supports automatic partial stroke testing (PST)
- Power Supply
- VG9000H and VG9PST: loop-powered, 4–20 mA; or 24 VDC via an RCI unit; VG9000F: FOUNDATION fieldbus + 24 VDC
- Communication Protocol
- HART (VG9000H) or FOUNDATION fieldbus (VG9000F)
- Operating Temperature Range
- -40 to +85 °C
- Maximum Exhaust Capacity
- 700 Nm3/h (Cv 6.4)
- Material
- Anodized aluminum or stainless steel
- Hazardous Area Certifications
- Ex d, Ex ia
Application scenarios
Online Partial Stroke Testing of Emergency Shutdown Valves in Continuous-Process Plants
Used in emergency shutdown valve control loops in continuously operating process plants. The product supports automatic partial stroke testing and diagnostics, enabling valve and actuator operation to be checked without affecting normal process operation, while supporting predictive maintenance.
Safety Actuation Control for Emergency Isolation Valves in Process Plants
Used in control loops for emergency shutdown or emergency isolation valves in process plants to perform predefined safety actions during interlock or emergency conditions. Designed for emergency shutdown valve applications, the product provides SIL 3 safety integrity and supports partial stroke testing and diagnostics.
Safety Control Systems for Vent Valves
Used in vent valve control systems, combining safety actuation control with automatic partial stroke testing and diagnostics. The product is specifically suitable for vent valves and provides a maximum exhaust capacity of 700 Nm3/h.
Critical Valve Diagnostics and Predictive Maintenance in Safety Instrumented Systems
Used in safety instrumented systems with HART or FOUNDATION fieldbus communication to perform partial stroke testing and diagnostics on critical emergency shutdown valves and use the associated status information for predictive maintenance. VG9000H supports HART, while VG9000F supports FOUNDATION fieldbus.
Safety Valve Control in Hazardous Areas
Used for safety valve control in locations requiring explosion protection. The product has Ex d and Ex ia hazardous-area certifications, supports an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C, and is available in anodized aluminum or stainless steel versions.
Selection points
SIL 3 Safety Level and Automatic Partial Stroke Testing
The product complies with the IEC 61508 SIL 3 safety integrity level and supports automatic partial stroke testing, making it suitable for safety function verification and diagnostics of emergency shutdown and vent valves.
Maximum Exhaust Capacity
The product provides a maximum exhaust capacity of 700 Nm3/h with a Cv value of 6.4. During selection, it should be matched with the pneumatic actuator, piping conditions, and required actuation time.
Communication Protocol and Power Supply Compatibility
VG9000H and VG9PST support HART communication and 4–20 mA loop power, or 24 VDC via an RCI unit; VG9000F supports FOUNDATION fieldbus communication and uses 24 VDC power.
Operating Environment and Hazardous Area Compatibility
The product has an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C, is available in anodized aluminum or stainless steel, and has Ex d and Ex ia hazardous-area certifications.
Installation notes
Configure the Power Supply and Communication Interfaces for the Applicable Model
VG9000H and VG9PST use 4–20 mA loop power or 24 VDC power via an RCI unit, while VG9000F uses FOUNDATION fieldbus with 24 VDC power. Configure the appropriate interfaces according to the actual model during installation.
Install Within the Rated Operating Temperature Range
The ambient temperature at the installation site must remain within the operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C.
FAQ
Which valve safety loops is Neles ValvGuard VG9000 suitable for?
Neles ValvGuard VG9000 is suitable for emergency shutdown services involving emergency shutdown valves and vent valves. Its automatic partial stroke testing function can be used to verify the actuation capability of ESD valves, while diagnostic data supports safe and reliable operation.
How does VG9000 support predictive maintenance?
VG9000 uses automatic partial stroke testing (PST) and other diagnostic data to support valve condition assessment. Maintenance personnel can use this information to schedule predictive maintenance, helping maintain safety loop availability while reducing unnecessary maintenance work.
What are the differences between VG9000H, VG9PST, and VG9000F in terms of power supply and communication?
VG9000H and VG9PST use 4–20 mA loop power and can also use 24 VDC via an RCI unit; VG9000F uses FOUNDATION fieldbus with 24 VDC power. For communication, VG9000H supports HART, while VG9000F supports FOUNDATION fieldbus. The specific configuration must be confirmed based on the control system and actual application conditions.
Why does VG9PST need to be used with an external solenoid valve?
Using VG9PST with an external solenoid valve helps prevent spurious trips. This configuration is suitable for emergency shutdown valve applications that require partial stroke testing while minimizing the risk of unplanned shutdowns.
What conditions should be considered when selecting VG9000 for offshore or hazardous-area applications?
VG9000 is available in anodized aluminum or stainless steel, with the stainless steel version suitable for offshore applications. It supports an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C and offers Ex d and Ex ia hazardous-area certification options. It complies with IEC 61508 and is certified to SIL 3. The specific model, material, and hazardous-area configuration must be confirmed based on the installation environment and application conditions.
